Model, Fashion Designer, Social Advocate

How I Can Help You 

• Fashion Design & Styling: Tips on creating unique designs and trendy styling ideas.
• Breaking into Fashion Industry: Advice on entering the fashion industry, managing brand image, and marketing products.
• Career in Fashion Critique & Journalism: Guidance on developing strong opinions and writing insightful reviews in fashion.
• Modelling Tips:  Advice for runway and photoshoots, plus safeguarding against exploitation.
• Fashion Show Management: Tips for organising and managing fashion events smoothly.
• Brand Strategy & Consumer Behavior: How to improve brand image, tell your story, and enhance customer experience.
• Personal Branding Guide: Grow your personal brand authentically on social media.
• Content Creation Strategy: Tips on crafting impactful content & building a strong online presence.
• Political Awareness & Activism: Guidance on how to engage in political discussions particularly in multicultural communities and gender empowerment.
• Public Speaking and Analytical Skills: Mentor in developing communication skills & debate.
• Navigating Multicultural Identity: Coming from a biracial background, advice on embracing & balancing multiple cultures, in both Indian Catholic and Malay Muslim environments.

My Domains

Fashion Design  | Fashion Trends | Stylist  | Modelling Tips | Politics  | Branding  | Consumer Behavior  | Personal Branding | Public Speaking  | Multicultural  | Multiracial | Gender Advocacy | KOL Guidance | Content Creation | Career Advice

A Bit About Me

Hey, I’m Syakinah, a self-made fashion creative. Being tapped into the mood of society on all current topics, fashion related or not, is how I navigate this fast-paced industry.

If you’re a brand owner looking to build a conscious brand image, an aspiring fashion creative needing guidance or just need help finding your personal style then you’re at the right place.

• I grew up between Puchong and Kuala Lumpur, constantly moving between the lively town and the chaotic city centre.
• Coming from an interracial family, with Indian Catholic and Malay Muslim descent, I taught myself about different facets of both cultures and religions.
• I have always been an artistic creative, and being in pure science during secondary school made me realise that I didn't want to stay in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field.
• My passion for politics comes from being a mixed race woman and feeling the need to define myself in such a racially diverse community. I'm keenly aware of the political effects on the communities I belong to.
• The duality of my identity translates into my areas of interest, keeping my mind open and allowing me to perceive things from all angles.

Educational Journey

• I attended SMK Pusat Bandar Puchong (1), where I participated in extracurricular activities like competitive debate and public speaking at the inter-school level, as well as running.
• Debate developed my critical and analytical skills, teaching me to approach subjects from all angles, a skill I've carried with me until now.
• In 2017, I went to Limkokwing on a good scholarship for a foundation in design, followed by a Bachelor's in Fashion Design.
• Lim Kok Wing had a higher ratio of international staff and students to locals, which exposed me to a variety of culturally different individuals. 
• The courses were practical and hands-on, with minimal written assignments and more focus on skill implementation.
• In Year 3, we had a semester abroad to London for Fashion Week, where I was Backstage Manager. 
• This experience allowed me to explore London’s art scene and museums during the student trip.

Skills and Interests

• I've been talented in drawing and design since a young age. I’m passionate about self-expression through fashion, as art is a soul language I have always felt connected to.
• I often share my opinions on ongoing political events based on my experiences as a biracial woman in Malaysia, which helps me stand confidently in my thoughts.
• I believe that it is important to keep up with world activities and have a thorough understanding of the political scene to ensure I’m on the right side of history. 
• I’ve always been interested in the consumer market and how businesses can improve their brand image and sell their brand story for an improved customer experience. 
• In social media, I focus on consistency, building my platform by showing my journey stages. 
• I get inspiration from industry people and maintain a balance between inspiration and authenticity.
• I enjoy creating content surrounding the breakdowns of ongoing fashion trends, analysing and predicting upcoming possibilities in the fashion world, reviewing the work of local cultural incorporation and suggesting my unbiased opinions online. 
• For those who are keen on getting into social media, as silly as it may seem in the beginning, I'd remind them to just keep going and post regularly to establish your personal branding and find your right audience. 

Professional Experience

• Graduating during the peak of MCO, entering the workforce was challenging for many of my peers. I started doing styling, custom design orders, and modelling.
• The fashion industry is vibrant and fast-paced, requiring quick adaptation to sudden changes. Successful fashion marketing balances the efforts put into the brand image and the products.
• As a model, I've worked on cosmetic beauty shoots. The runway requires perfection within minutes, while photoshoots involve playing different characters for hours.
• The bright side of modelling includes glamour and networking, but it isn't sustainable due to age, and the job consistency isn't reliable. There are also exploitation risks, so I always take safeguarding measures.
• In styling, I've worked with The Models Lab KL to style group photo shoots and also worked with key figures like the iconic Fazura!
• I advise finding your style by merging your current identity with who you want to become while avoiding obsession over fleeting trends.
• I hope to become a fashion critic or journalist, as I find fulfilment in contributing opinions and input within the industry.

A Community Hero Since: October 7, 2024